The RJ reported today the BLM will spend $23 million for a new visitor center. I can think of lots of projects that would be more beneficial to hikers. How about improving trails and signs? The trail to
One of the most needed projects is more parking at various trailheads. On weekends Pine Creek's parking lot fills up by 10 am. Even the parking lot at Sandstone Quarry is becoming too crowded on the weekends. And let's talk about every hiker’s worst road, the Scenic Loop. It's nice to drive the first few times, but after 100+ trips it's a waste of time and gas. Why not take that money and make the Scenic Loop a two way road or, at least, a two way road from Pine Creek to the exit? Either option would eliminate tons of congestion.
Here's the real reason a new visitor center is being built. In the mind of many BLM employees a trip to Red Rock includes a stop at the visitor center, driving the Scenic Loop, and maybe getting out of the car and walking 100 feet. In other words: no hiking.
Here's a test you can do to validate the above acusation. Go into the visitor center and ask them about
Do you agree or disagree with me? Post a comment. (AG, no need to waste your time.)
Branch, I couldn't agree with you more on those points. There's so many great hikes that aren't even on their maps as official hikes in Red Rock. If it weren't for people like you to show us, then we would probably never know about them. And yes, the scenic loop should be a two way road. When it was built they didn't think about the locals who would frequent the area, only the tourists... It's a huge waste of money to build another visitor center when the majority of the people going to red rock (locals) don't even use it...
ReplyDeleteIt's a little hard to say at this point whether it is valuable or not, but I tend to disagree with you that it's a waste of money. The current visitor center is really inadequate in terms of educational opportunities and resources for visitors. This new plan will add a classroom, volunteer offices (which will help with your trail improvements), and increase revenue opportunities with the additional gift shop/book store which will presumably be larger/better than the current offering. The classroom and visual/audio information will be great for kids, especially schools that bring their kids in for field trips. Red Rock is growing in popularity and needs to improve its facilities to keep up.
ReplyDeleteI think the BLM knows where they're bread is buttered. The reality of it is, most people don't get more than a 1/4 mile from their car. I think it would be better to build a 20 mil visitor center and fix the obvious problems you mention. For me personally, I would vote to upgrade rocky gap road. All of the area's issues need to be addressed. One thing to consider, however, is whether or not it would be a good thing to make it easy for a ton of people to gain access to all of the trails. Generally speaking, people and nature don't mix well. One of the things I enjoy most is exploring and going where people don't normally go. It's all about balance, and this feels a little much on the tourist's side. They really need to throw locals a bone; then the visitor's center wouldn't bother me.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Branch. The current visitor center seems fine to me, whereas the parking, roads, and trails are inadequate. 23 million is big money to me and, I imagine, suffice to make more improvements elsewhere.
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